ADHD Treatment — Without Medication? Alternative Treatment FAQ

You’ve probably heard a lot about “alternative” ADHD therapies, or ways you could be treating your or your child’s ADHD without medication. But with so many alternative treatments to choose from, how can you know which ones help — and which ones harm?

What is alternative medicine, and does it work to treat ADHD?

Alternative medicine refers to treatments other than those which would be typically prescribed, including herbal medicine, non-medication therapies, homeopathy and nutrition treatments.

ADHD treatment without medication ranges from diet restrictions to herbal products; EEG to video games. Results vary, depending on the individual and the treatment being used.

Is there any scientific research on alternative treatments for ADHD?

The problem with alternative medicine is that there is a lack of independent research to validate many of the claims made. There has been some limited research on these treatments.

Are alternative treatments such as herbal remedies regulated by any government agency?

Most alternative treatments are not regulated by the FDA. Some manufacturers of these products have been warned or even shut down by the Federal Trade Commission for making unsubstantiated claims about their products.

Are these treatments safer than medications?

Many of the alternative treatments are completely safe. Improved nutrition never hurt anyone. EEG Neurotherapy is non-invasive, although somewhat expensive. New technologies, like Interactive Metronome, may lead to safer, more effective treatment options.

Are any of these treatments dangerous?

Some alternative treatments may actually have a higher risk than the products that they claim to replace. Ephedra, for example, is a naturally occurring CNS stimulant that some people used to use instead of Ritalin. This herbal product was associated with at least 38 deaths and over 800 adverse reactions, leading the FDA to ban its use in 2004. People forget that “Natural” does not necessarily mean “Safe.”

Is a change in diet an effective treatment for ADHD?

Research on the results of these diets is mixed. Most doctors seem to think that nutrition does not cause or control ADHD. Most nutritionists think that doctors don’t know anything about nutrition. Go figure.

The idea of removing sugars, food coloring and other additives from the diet as a treatment for ADHD remains one of the most popular alternative treatments for the disorder. The best known of all alternative diets is The Feingold Diet. There are other various nutrition plans and diets that claim to help.

Can I combine medications like Ritalin with some of the Alternative Treatments for a “best of both worlds” treatment?

It depends on what you are combining. If you are combining Ritalin with improved nutrition, there is no risk of injury and you may actually help yourself or your child. It’s hard to pay attention when you are malnourished. If you combined the natural stimulant Ephedra with Ritalin, you would probably cause elevated blood pressure, heart attack and possibly death. St. John’s Wort combined with an antidepressant can cause major problems. Always tell your doctor about any herbal products or nutritional supplements that you may be using.

Since 1998, millions of parents and adults have trusted ADDitude's expert guidance and support for living better with ADHD and its related mental health conditions. Our mission is to be your trusted advisor, an unwavering source of understanding and guidance along the path to wellness.